– Global Fund III is more than 30% larger than its predecessor fund and includes commitments from all prior anchor investors, reflecting strong investor confidence in the firm’s strategy despite a challenging fundraising environment
– Although there was additional investor demand, Baird Capital maintained a $450 million fund size to preserve its differentiated approach as a first institutional investor in lower-middle market, founder-led companies in the U.S. and U.K.
– The fund focuses on growth equity and buyout investments of $25 million to $75 million in B2B technology and services companies with revenues between $10 million and $100 million
– Baird Capital leverages its global platform, with offices in Chicago and London, to support lower-middle market companies seeking international growth and operational improvements
– A key differentiator of the fund is its global operational toolkit and ability to provide flexible capital solutions to scaling businesses
– Global Fund III has already completed three investments
– Gordon Pan, President of Baird Capital, said the fund’s close reflects strong investor trust in the platform and validates its focus on founder-led lower-middle market businesses, supported by an experienced team and flexible investment approach
– James Benfield, Partner at Baird Capital in London, said the U.S.-U.K. footprint is a key differentiator in the lower-middle market, and highlighted the firm’s experience in B2B technology and services and its focus on backing founder-led companies seeking flexible capital and partnership-driven support
